I’ve always thought of those words in the context of believing in God.

But that morning it seemed the One Who Loves Us whispered that part of faith is also about believing that our obedience makes a difference–even when we can’t see the results.

Sure of what we hope for…that our words matter in the world, that hearts out there really are encouraged, that the flicker of a screen can bring light to a life again.

Certain of what we do not see…that that the bonds we make, the needs we meet, the prayers we lift up are as real as what’s right in front of us–that the great I am is everywhere and in all we do in His name.

I think then of a conversation I had with Ann Voskamp many months ago about much the same thing. We tossed and turned thoughts around between us until at the end we nodded, smiled and said…

How can we say that the virtual doesn’t matter when the Spirit is virtual?

The Kingdom has always been about more than what we can sense. Oh, friends, it’s more about what we know in our hearts–and about following faithfully the One who whispers to us there–believing that in all things He is working together for good.

Sometimes that good is something we can see, touch, taste and smell.

And sometimes it’s built of eternal things that we won’t know until heaven.

So press on, sisters.

Keep the faith.

Do what you do, be who you are, walk in that sometimes blind, always beautiful obedience. Whether you’re rocking babies, rocking meetings at your job, creating art or spreadsheets, fixing dinner or hearts, serving silently or singing on a stage, tweeting or telling grandkids a bedtime story, seeing the results or wondering if anyone will ever notice. Just carry on.

Because whatever you’re doing today–even if you can’t see or feel it–you really are making a difference.

Welcome to the Coffee for Your Heart weekly link-up! You’re an encourager so I’m asking you to pour out a little love with your words every Wednesday {link-up goes live at 5:30am CST}. Simply write an encouraging blog post and then share it here with us.

If you’d like a writing prompt to get you going, here’s a list I created just for you: 30 Writing Prompts.

Pretty please use this button in your post so others can easily join in with us {html code in right sidebar}…

And when you link up your post, take a moment to leave an encouraging comment on the one that’s linked up just before yours. Thanks, friends!

Holley, you should be encouraged.
What you do does make an incredible difference in the lives of women. Communicating God’s love and truth to others daily. It changes perspectives, opens eyes, and reassures. I feel like a lot of times the things that God has called us to do are usually met with opposition and many chances to doubt. To doubt that they are the right thing because we do not see results. Sometimes though the results finally harvest and then cartwheel into more and more. Almost like bamboo. Faithful obedience and then bam! one day there is much growth. evidence.
I had something like that happen (in a small way) the other day. I was trying to teach my children something and felt like I was supposed to do a particular thing. I was excited about it and obeyed. I passed a lady standing on a roadside with a sign ( i usually get burned on these so I have quit stopping). Something about her impressed upon my heart to go buy her a meal and something with God’s Word in it. I made my turn and completed the assignment (with 3 kids all under 7) and brought back this small token of hope for her. I had a gift card, lunch, coffee, and a devotional book filled with prayers and scripture. I even wrote a note to her. I was so happy to make the exchange. ( I realize that this is a very small thing to do – i’m not trying to toot my own horn) I told the girls (my kids) what we were doing as we sped up to the place where she had been standing 1/2 an hour ago. And as I surveyed the area….she was gone. I was shocked. I had felt so sure that I was to do this (in the past I’ve just bought food) But why? She had just been standing there. Usually when people occupy that spot you can catch them leaving. But not her. I could tell my kids were let down and so was I. But I quickly dismissed it and told them that God saw our obedience. We were ready. We were willing. Maybe that was our test. Hopefully someone else got the blessing of helping that woman and that is precisely why she was no longer there.
Anyways pardon my story, but the real test is discerning God’s will and then living it out, results follow and many times are hidden from us…I guess that is where Faith and Humility come in.
Thank you for what you do! I will be a result for you, I’ve been encouraged many times by the things you have written and will continue to 🙂

What a beautiful story! You know, I got to thinking about that lady and how you were unable to ‘connect’ with her. However, hold on to the wonderful gifts intended for her (so you thought)….and, if they are on hand, you will find someone else who REALLY was intended for this gift. Why someone else? We don’t know, nor do we need to know. It’s enough to know that God always directs us as He sees the need. That’s enough and a real cause to rejoice. Keep up the good work! That gift will soon be where it rightly belongs! I believe that!

i agree 😉 i kept the things and believe they were for others too 🙂 i already found a home for the gift card and my husband enjoyed the meal…haha. but i put the book in my glove box for one day. Who knows maybe there will be someone else who is supposed to read these words 🙂 it was a great discussion for my kids. that sometimes we obey even if the outcome isn’t what we think. we obey anyways. we even ended up talking about Abraham. haha…you never know where the day will lead you 🙂

It’s hard to know and believe that what we do makes a difference – especially in this virtual world where we don’t see the results. I lean on this verse from 1 Corinthians 3:5-7

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

Our job may just be to plant seeds, but just think what God can do with a few seeds!

I too feel the same way. Why do I write to people I don’t even know? Is there a point? I prefer hands on ministry, because I can see the results, see the change in their lives. But I know that this is what God has called me to do. It feels so small when I blog , but I know God is using it in my own life and in the lives around me. It is just very invisible. Thank you so much for reminding me that this is another area that I must trust God in. By faith…..what can we accomplish for the Lord?

I read through these comments and your post and I’m right there. This is a big thing for those of us who wear our faith and hearts on the internet. How I loved it when you said the Spirit is virtual. So true, but easy to forget. You make a difference to me. I am encouraged by the words you write, and I am instructed by your gift for saying such truth and encouragement so simply. I am one of many encouraged by you. Then we encourage those in our sphere of influence and the word goes out. Yes, yes, and always yes.

Oh, you don’t know how much I needed to hear those words today! Thank you. I love the thought that ‘virtual’ makes a difference because the Holy Spirit is ‘virtual’. This post reminds me of the song from Cradle Roll–“Bright in the Corner Where You Are” (um, maybe it’s right in the corner where you are–either one, we can shine brightly from whichever corner of the world we happen to be in–and that’s right where we should be!).

Just what I needed at this very minute! I am getting ready to do a ladies retreat, it goes from Thursday-Saturday! I have never been in charge of such a thing & I am feeling very inept! I know God has got it! My prayer is just to be His vessel, to pour out what He wants! Could use some prayers!

Dear Holly,
You DO make a difference and you are an answer to prayer. I was thinking along the very same lines that you mention in today’s devotion. Am I doing ANYTHING that God wants me to do? Why didn’t I go to college? And on and on. This past Sunday, I was wearing my “usher” hat and a friend asked me if I could possibly hold her baby for a few minutes as her husband needed to make an announcement up front. I held the baby and at first she was a little fussy but then as I rocked her, she fell asleep. I missed taking the offering but our head usher had it covered. Sometimes, I wonder/ponder….maybe it’s the simple things like holding the baby, helping a stranger that Jesus counts as “treasures”. Those things that are so momentary and fleeting that we hardly notice.

Thank you for being faithful,Holley. For questioning openly and sharing how you are traveling this road to grace filled living. a walk you willingly share. That in itself is a testimony of how you are affecting lives that you can’t always touch, tangibly, but the intangible touch may be even more profound. I had a similar conversation yesterday, betwixt myself and God, and your sweet encouragements are always a blessing and a reminder that it is ok.
I appreicate your blessing words, and your dear heart. I am thankful that you still reach out, virtually, for it is the way God is filling you to meet others with His heart.
Bless you,
Dawn

What a wonderful, uplifting message for me today. Every time I turn on the TV it is filled with the distressing news of the world’s problems. War, disease, etc. It makes me recognize how helpless I am to change things. But, I know that I have the Lord to turn to. That’s what I can do. Nothing more because nothing more is needed. So, I pray about the trials of our country and for the leaders who struggle with getting things ‘right’. The complexities are God’s to manage, not mine. So, that gives me peace in the midst of it all. Please continue your wonderful messages, Holley. They are such a source of joy, encouragement and thankfulness in my heart.

Oh I love this… the thought or connection that spiritual is virtual too! There is power of life or death on our words and whether we speak them or tap them out online… that power goes forth! So thankful for your voice and your words that consistently pour out Love and give Life, my friend!

Wonderful words of encouragement today Holley!!! I thank God for the gift He has given you, and for your obedience in following His lead! I love Hebrews 11:1 “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.” I try every day to live according to these Words. I know you do too Holley!

Holley, you definitely make a difference in my life. 🙂 Thank you again for such an encouraging post. God knew what I needed today. I will keep trying to just be who I am, do what I do, and walk in blind obedience, letting Jesus lead me by the hand. Thank you, Holley, for following God’s call in your life!

Holley, sister. These words. Mm oh these words sow eternal seeds into hearts. These words grow up and bear fruit in many hearts…fruit that makes loud what was planted in silence as you typed at your keyboard. Your words have sown into me…gave me courage to take steps that were reluctant before I read them. Your words echo our Saviors and what He sows, He reaps. Thank you for the call to keep on. I needed this. xoxox

I don’t blog,can’t even write… but boy do I enjoy all the talents of writing from you and many others that I read every day. All the devotions I read are priceless on those days God speaks ‘just to me’ through your words. Yes, yes, yes everything you write matters…it matters to Him and it matters to so many of us!
I can’t go see many of my close friends every day in town, but I can get up every morning and read what each of you ‘online friends’ shares from your heart with me. When I read each encouraging word, I am the ‘only one’ reading…it’s just “for me”… And besides if you never wrote, I would never gotten to ‘meet’ you, along with Ann, Kristen, Robin and so, so many more ladies that write online with blogs, devotionals and Proverbs 31 etc.
So thank you for all you do! God is in all you do!
So “press on sister. Keep the faith.” 🙂
Blessings to you!

Sending a cyber hug and a big thank you for speaking just what I (and so many others) need to hear. What you do matters indeed. Let me illustrate…I met Heather at She Speaks and she was carrying around her God-sized dream devo/journal. We talked about how God has used you to speak into our dreaming hearts and encourage us in ministry. Sometimes I am tempted to throw in the towel with writing not sure if it matters, or if it’s worth the sacrifices, etc. Then I read your posts and others and am convinced that I should indeed carry on. So glad that He carries us and that the results are up to Him. Our job (our privilege) is to obey and faithfully follow.:) Thank you for staying the course and for your willingness to count the cost and keep on.

You are definitely making a difference Holly! I know how easy it is to fall into that trap and think otherwise…usually when I’m tired or have had a hard day I find myself there too. We will all keep pressing on together- obediently just doing the next thing God is calling us to do right? Maybe it seems small, but each little thing adds up for the greater good when we operate under HIS power and not our own. Much love for you girlfriend!

Oh, Holley, you make such a difference in my life as well. From your blog to your books…God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, so He often takes your words in my life and uses them even further. So thank you for allowing Him to shine through you. I really appreciate you!

Thanks so much for your post today—it has greatly encouraged me-as many others have.

I am a 66 yr. old retired School Teacher, and was also active in my church.
However, I suffer from osteoarthritis among other health challenges.
Sometimes I do feel somewhat useless, as I can’t do many things I used to, but your
emails are very encouraging–i look forward to receiving them and sharing with others.

I just wanted to let you know that you’ve made a big difference in my life. God has used your voice in a big way, and many times, I end up in tears just reading your blogposts. So thank you. 🙂 God bless you!

Hi Holley,
Just want to let you know that all your clicking and typing really make real impact on people’s lives – I’m one of them! Your words touched my heart and gave me courage to continue to battle my depression. Your reminder of His love and power lighted the candle of hope in my heart. Thank you! Give more and receive more!

Thank you for this wonderful post, Holley. Sometimes, I wonder what kind of a difference I am making in the the lives of the people who read my posts on Facebook or in my blog. Once in a while, they tell me, but often I am doing what I do, just because I believe God would have me do it. I felt like I could breathe easy as I read your post. I am saving this one to remind myself what I am doing is worthwhile, and maybe, just maybe someone will find strength or encouragement in reading what I have shared.

This is so encouraging to me, Holley, because as an overseas church planter struggling with so many things on my plate, I often wonder if I should ditch “this writing thing” in favor of more visible, practical, hands-on MINISTRY. (As if writing were not a ministry too. 🙂 ) So you’ve spoken to my heart today to keep on juggling all my roles, and know that the little I’m able to do in each one makes a difference!

That thing I do is care for a 20 month old child in care….I’m a foster Carer. I question my life, am I doing all The Lord has for me right now in this place on this day to touch His world.
Then I read your post and yes it is making MORE of a difference than I feel right now..now to this young life and as he grows in those he will touch. In my tiredness and questioning! am I doing the right thing? I see the joy and love my own teen daughters have for this child, parenting can be thankless at times. We have to look for the little things, the big chubby smile just for me, the hugs…particularly those ones to stall bedtime! The laughter and joy a ball can bring. These are just snippets in my days with a very active little guy to care for and keep safe from his exploring and it can be very tiring.
I can know without seeing the results, it will make a difference, it really will.
Your words of encouragement lift me up day after day. You just need to know God speaks into my life through you…
Thank you Holley, keep on trusting Him

Just wanted to let you know that your mails have been a source of encouragement and blessing to me always…and wanted to thank God for you and your ministry and encourage you to keep blessing many more lives through it..love & regards from India 🙂

One more voice here, shouting, “You MOST DEFINITELY are making a difference in our lives, Holley!!!” You provide such inspired encouragement. Thank you for persevering, even when the enemy is hissing in your ear. And thank you for reminding us that the great I AM is in ALL we do in his name.

I’ve often thought about writing you…and this is the perfect post to comment on…I keep a folder in my email titled ‘Holley’. It’s just for your encouraging posts that get sent to my email. Sometimes I go to the file, just for a pick me up or word of wisdom. Sometimes I share them with girlfriends. But its my little treasure trove of encouragement and I thank you, Holley❤️ You make a difference!

Holley,
What you do really does matter. God used You’re Already Amazing to speak to me in ways I can’t begin to explain. After reading it I can finally say after 47 years I like me, in fact I like me a lot. You can’t know how wonderful it is to finally say that about myself. God speaks to me so clearly through your words. I am going through a storm that has been raging for 29 months. He is calling me to persevere and wait yet I seem to see no effects from my obedience on this storm. These words have spoken so deeply to me…….”believing that our obedience makes a difference–even when we can’t see the results” and have given me the resolve to continue in my obedience to what He has called me to, no matter what.
You really do make a difference, a huge difference! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Hi Holley, As a little girl, I use to love to throw a pebble in the water and watch the ripples flow out ..each circle getting larger. Holley, you are the pebble. Many times, I take the picture with the beautiful message at the beginning of your posts and put them on a board next to my desk. Throughout the day my coworkers stop to read the post and are encouraged. If they are having a rough day and the message speaks to them; they stop and talk about it. So your work does hav the hands and feet of Christ. One of the larger circles flowing from you…the pebble…and your willingness to do His work. :o)